An hour felt endless. The courtroom's earlier buzz faded into a strange quiet that was neither tense nor relaxed, only waiting.
Elijah remained at the table with his elbows resting near his folders, his hands folded, and his eyes fixed on the door through which Judge Tolbert had disappeared. He did not check his phone or fidget. He simply waited.
Across the aisle, Isaiah sat taller. The chains around his wrists had been removed by order of the court. It was a small gesture, but it meant something.
At 2:03 p.m., the judge returned. His robe dragged slightly behind him, and his face revealed nothing. He sat, shuffled several papers, and looked up.
"This hearing is now back in session. My ruling will be delivered orally and entered into the record."
The air in the room seemed to thin.
"After reviewing the evidence presented, some of which was admittedly unexpected, it is the opinion of this court that the prosecution has not demonstrated sufficient cause to proceed to trial."
People gasped. One spectator clapped and was immediately shushed.
Tolbert continued in a voice flatter than usual. "The charges against Isaiah Carrington are hereby dismissed with prejudice."
For one moment, the courtroom was perfectly still. Then the meaning reached everyone at once. Shoulders dropped, murmurs rose, and someone in the back row began to cry softly.
Isaiah looked at Elijah. He only looked. His mouth opened, then closed.
Tolbert tapped the gavel once more. "Mr. Carrington is free to go."
Lindholm did not rise. She sat stiffly, biting the inside of her cheek. Officer Haskins stood and left without saying a word.
Elijah did not jump or raise a fist. He merely stood, gathered his notes, and placed everything back inside the battered briefcase as though it were any other school day.